Free Computer & Internet Access for Children aged 7-14 of Low Income Families

prowla

Mackliven wrote: »

It would appear in my haste, I mistakenly opted for the device only instead of the full package (inc Internet access) in my original application. When I phoned their helpline number they advised that because they are only a Call Centre, I would need to write to Home Access direct in Darlington to get the order changed.
However, having done this, they have now written back basically saying 'tough' - "No orders can be changed after submission & you cannot submit another application". This was apparently from their Complaints Manager.

Being a single parent on IB, I cannot afford to fund the extra £128 myself for my daughter and although appreciative of the pc she is due to get, I feel she will not be able to put it to its full potential without the internet access (no internet at home and writing this on a friend's pc/profile).

Any suggestions on if, how or who I can contact to help resolve this issue would be greatly appreciatied. Thanks

Your best bet might be to get an ADSL internet connection (that runs over the phone line and has Wi-Fi wirless connectivity) for as cheap as you can. The laptop will connect to it and it will be faster than the mobile option anyway.

jojopo000

I've just had my proof's back less than a week after I sent them, has anyone else had their proof's sent back so quick?

RavenxPrime

Mine took 8 days, sent on a Monday afternoon arrived the following Tuesday

jojopo000

RavenxPrime wrote: »

Mine took 8 days, sent on a Monday afternoon arrived the following Tuesday

Thanks, How long after did you recieve their decision?

RavenxPrime

The day after, and got my pin today

wazza

Sister received not one but two child benefit letters today. They are both identical. She sent off her application today (Thurs). Any idea how quick they are in responding? Some say within days. She is over the moon now.

She has a spare CB letter if anyone needs it (just joking :rotfl:)

sb18180

wazza wrote: »

Sister received not one but two child benefit letters today. They are both identical. She sent off her application today (Thurs). Any idea how quick they are in responding? Some say within days. She is over the moon now.

She has a spare CB letter if anyone needs it (just joking :rotfl:)

BUT you have to have the kids as well as the cb letter

InDebted2U_2

Mackliven wrote: »

It would appear in my haste, I mistakenly opted for the device only instead of the full package (inc Internet access) in my original application. When I phoned their helpline number they advised that because they are only a Call Centre, I would need to write to Home Access direct in Darlington to get the order changed.
However, having done this, they have now written back basically saying 'tough' - "No orders can be changed after submission & you cannot submit another application". This was apparently from their Complaints Manager.

Being a single parent on IB, I cannot afford to fund the extra £128 myself for my daughter and although appreciative of the pc she is due to get, I feel she will not be able to put it to its full potential without the internet access (no internet at home and writing this on a friend's pc/profile).

Any suggestions on if, how or who I can contact to help resolve this issue would be greatly appreciatied. Thanks

Unfortunately, HAGAS won't change your package now. Options are:
~wireless dongle and pay-as-you-go (as others have mentioned)
~cheap broadband connection (try comparison sites like moneysupermarket.com to find the best deal for you)
or
~although not ideal, if the extra cost isn't on then there are plenty of places that offer free Wifi access, such as cafes and leisure centres. It does mean taking your daughter to one of these places if it's not local enough, but at least she could still take advantage of internet access that way. Best of luck.

prowla

lucinad wrote: »

can i just point something out i realised today positiveit are giving away 2yrs broadband (dependant on terms and conditions...whatever that means!) where as the others seem to be offering 1yr. i checked my3 account tonight and it does say expires feb 2012 so thats something to think about if you want extra yrs connection... hth

BEWARE on this one; I looked at the T&Cs:

This broadband promotion is open to end-users who purchase a compliant Home Access computer in the
promotion period.
The promotion is not open to employees of Positive IT Solutions or distributors, resellers, e-sellers, retailers or any
third party suppliers, or anyone connected professionally with the promotion.
All customers, including pre-promotion launch customers, will be entitled to the second year’s connectivity.
Customers who wish to redeem a second year’s connectivity must comply with the following.
•Complete the redemption form (available on website)
•Return redemption form with a copy of the original invoice.
•Customers must return the above documents between the 335th and 365th days following the date of
invoice to be eligible to redeem the second year’s broadband. Claims cannot be made at any other time.
Send to the address below.

So, to get the 2nd year, and you have to download a form and send it in between the 335th and 365th days following the date of your invoice.
There seems to me to be an inherent wish that people forget to do it, and also if you send it on the 365th day there is a good chance that there could be a gap in service.

prowla

I've been looking into the matter of adding memory to the Samsung R519, and Misco (one of the suppliers) advised that they cannot add the memory for you but they can supply it and it is perfectly alright for you to add it, provided that you don't damage the system in doing so.

The R519 comes with 1x1GB installed and there is one slot into which can take an extra either 1GB or 2GB SODIMM memory module. I'm not sure about this particular machine, but generally laptops either have a little hatch on the underside that you need to undo a tiny screw to open to get at the memory slots, or the slots are located under the keyboard so you have to find some sort of a secret latch to let you lift up the keyboard.

Misco quoted me their 2GB part, which is really a Crucial component (Crucial are a reputable memory specialist), and so I went to Crucial and it is £35.24 including VAT & free delivery. Their web site doesn't have the R519 listed, so I phoned to confirm it was the right part.

The Misco part no. is 153537, and the Crucial part no. is CT25664AC800.

You can also get cashback (Quidco, etc.) on purchases from Crucial.